Chapter Sixty-Nine: Astonishing Beauty

The clock had already struck midnight. As the chimes of midnight rang out, the entire Chinese cultural world was immersed in celebrating the arrival of the new year, and the Spring Festival Gala had reached its final climax.

Li Pingyi, who had been enjoying a wonderful conversation with Wang Lei, received notice that it was time to prepare for their last appearance on stage. Fate between people can indeed be curious; two individuals who had once been strangers—one approaching eighty, the other not yet thirty—found themselves in perfect conversation. Li Pingyi, moved by Wang Lei’s tragic life story, experienced a rare sense of kinship through him; it had been two or three years since she had last seen her own children and grandchildren. For his part, Wang Lei deeply respected the elderly Li Pingyi, and could genuinely feel the compassion she extended toward him.

Dressed in a splendid formal gown, Li Pingyi took Wang Lei by the hand. It was almost time for their entrance.

“Don’t be nervous, Lei,” she said gently. “When you’re on stage, just focus on your singing. Don’t look at the audience.”

“It’s alright, Grandma,” Wang Lei replied. “Back when I played basketball, I played in arenas with twenty thousand people—far more than tonight. I’m not nervous.”

She smiled. “That’s true. You athletes—if you lacked courage, you couldn’t perform as you do.”

Indeed, as Wang Lei said, elite athletes are no strangers to grand occasions. Many are even eager to perform, thriving in the spotlight and delivering extraordinary performances when it matters most. It’s no wonder that so many athletes are comfortable on stage; nerves rarely trouble them.

With the final act of the regular program concluded, the gala moved into its closing moments. Traditionally, all the hosts would gather on stage, joined by most of the performers in a collective New Year’s greeting. Then, under the spotlight, Li Pingyi would take the stage to the rhythm of music. By this time, viewers at home would begin to rise from their seats—those who had endured four hours of programming were usually in good health and would take the chance to move around. Some would stay up as a matter of tradition, but most would simply go to bed.

But this year, as Li Pingyi took the stage, the viewers who had been reaching for their remotes to turn off the television froze in surprise. There was no music, and beside her stood a tall young man whose attire was anything but glamorous—certainly not the look of a celebrity.

“Friends, let me first wish you all a happy New Year,” Li Pingyi began. “Since 1980, I haven’t missed a single Spring Festival Gala. This marks thirty-six years, and every year, I’ve sung the same song. I imagine many young people watching have wondered, ‘Why is that old lady still here?’”

“This year, I won’t be singing. To be honest, after more than thirty years, even I’m a little tired of it. So, here’s my eldest grandson. Tonight, I’ll let him sing for everyone.”

Li Pingyi’s introduction was lighthearted and witty. She understood that the sudden appearance of an unknown young man would likely be met with skepticism, so she used her own standing to give Wang Lei an extra push, hoping to draw more attention to the song as well.

Wang Lei stepped to the center of the stage and gave a deep bow. There was no thought of stage presence or nerves at this moment.

As a clear, cool piano melody began, the veteran pianist, Zhang Laopao, was lifted onto the stage from a corner by the stage elevator. Many have speculated whether the performances at the Spring Festival Gala are lip-synced; within the industry, it’s understood that for such large-scale events, lip-syncing is often used as a safeguard. Those who are confident will sing along, keeping in sync, while those less sure needn’t worry, as the sound technicians can mute any mistakes instantly.

But this time, Wang Lei was singing live—there simply hadn’t been time to prepare a backing track, and Zhang Laopao and Ma Pingdong had only managed to put together a live accompaniment.

At this point, both the audience in the venue and viewers at home were captivated, for the scene unfolding was unlike any gala performance in recent memory.

Wang Lei’s unique voice, accompanied by piano and orchestration, rang out clear and strong. From his very first note, he drew listeners in. His voice was rough as gravel, but somehow evoked the comfort of lying on warm sand.

As people focused on the song, they began to appreciate its beauty. At first, the lyrics seemed to be a tribute to a mother, overflowing with tender emotion. But when Wang Lei reached the first chorus, its true meaning became clear to all.

As he sang the words, “I love you, China,” Li Pingyi’s magnificent voice joined his, adding harmony in a supporting role. This celebrated singer of the republic blended her voice with his, their contrasting styles creating an entirely new experience.

Far from diluting Wang Lei’s performance, Li Pingyi’s accompaniment added depth and color, moving many listeners profoundly.

This vast country gives its people not only a life of peace and stability, but also pride in being Chinese. No matter where one travels, the possession of a passport from the republic guarantees a measure of security. As people enjoyed their prosperous lives, they marveled at the nation’s strength.

Though often called a people without faith by the West, the Chinese honor the wisdom and experience passed down by their ancestors, perhaps more adept than any other at learning from the past. The republic has endured hardship, confusion, and turmoil, but emerged stronger and more prosperous for it. The people have not forgotten the lessons of history, and so cherish their present lives all the more.

Wang Lei’s song seemed to capture the feelings of the nation. There may be moments of frustration, but this country, like a mother, shelters and protects all her children.

As the song reached its final crescendo, the clear voice of Zhang Laopao joined in. Three generations—elder, middle-aged, and youth—three distinct voices, united in a song that left the audience in awe.

When the music faded and silence lingered for a brief moment, every person in the hall rose to their feet in applause. Some of the older members of the audience were moved to tears.

In living rooms across the country, many were touched by the performance. After an otherwise subdued gala, this song had dazzled everyone at the very last moment.

The new year had arrived. The rooster crowed at dawn, and a new era was beginning.